I got a 1989 325i 5-speed (E30). As some of you may remember, I was thinking about buying an E36 M3, but I just decided not to spend so much money on a car right now. It's a fun little car with a quick revving engine although it can't match the 300D's overall quality. But i'm glad I bought it. All it needs is a new clutch.

Awesome!

Are you planning to drop a Dinan or Jim Conforti chip in the car anytime soon?

You'll have loads and loads of fun with a BMW E30 3-series. They are quite reliable (hey, no automatic climate control or power seats to give problems) and have a great power-weight ratio with the 2.5 liter engine.

And then there is the sporty chassis tuning and awesome BMW handling (I've driven an '89 325iX and have lots of respect for Bimmers). I don't know about other BMW models, but that E30 felt just as tight and rattle-free as the W126 380SE I drive.

Anyway, post some pictures soon....

-Sam

I'm thinking of a Jim C chip which should give me about 15 horsepower. But what I really want to do is a lot of mods to the suspension that will improve handling: H&R sport springs, Bilstein sport shocks, strut brace, sway bars, stiffer roll bars, and lightweight BBS rims.
But then again, I don't know if I should do these mods because I'm thinking, maybe I should wait an get an E30 M3, but those are hard to find (even in california) and expensive to maintain.

So I will either wait until I find a E30 M3 or a 190E 2.3-16 or just fix up my 325i.
Here is the only pic I have of my car:

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E30's are very solid and very reliable cars.
They responds very well on suspension modification.
The only thing to watch is your timing belt.Make sure
it is in good condition.W/J Conforti chips,a set of heathers
and a good free flow muffler,it will accelarate like a scared
rabbit.

Timing belt has already been changed .
I'm might go with a Supersprint exhaust with straight pipes from the shop.

Art,
Don't forget the K&N's.And punch some extra holes
on the plastic covering between the two headlights,where
the air scoop is mounted.It works!

Congratulations on your purchase. I have an 84 e30 and can say that it is definitely a great little car.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

I bought a '90 E34 (525i) a couple of months ago for my wife. I am impressd at how well the car drives. It's a little underpowerd, but she's coming out of a '85 300D so she thinks the bimmer is a rocket.

What I really love is how it handles. It seems to have the perfect combination of handling and smooth ride. It is very supple and rolls quietly over rough roads and it corners beautifully.

There is really a different personality between a BMW and a Benz. Both are a treat to drive.

__________________
Mr. BILL

91 300E 120K
90 300SE 275K (sold)
92 BMW 525iM 120K
90 BMW 525iA 175K
85 300D 175K (sold)
84 300SD 245K (sold)

Go to www.bmwlab.bmwe30.net and you'll find that the M3's 4.10 differential in your 325 will be faster than the M3, plus lots of other cool advice.